College Professor Critiques Homeschoolers

this is from Greg Landry so it is not my writing. I am posted this also to the high school info!
The Balcony Lady

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College Professor Critiques Homeschoolers

copyright 2009 by Greg Landry, M.S.


I teach sophomore through senior level college students - most of them
are "pre-professional" students. They are preparing to go to medical
school, dental school, physical therapy school, etc.

As a generalization, I've noticed certain characteristics common in my
students who were homeschooled. Some of these are desirable, some not.

Desirable characteristics:

1. They are independent learners and do a great job of taking initiative
and being responsible for learning. They don't have to be "spoon fed" as
many students do. This gives them an advantage at two specific points in
their education; early in college and in graduate education.

2. They handle classroom social situations (interactions with their
peers and professors) very well. In general, my homeschooled students
are a pleasure to have in class. They greet me when the enter the class,
initiate conversations when appropriate, and they don't hesitate to ask
good questions. Most of my students do
none of these.

3. They are serious about their education and that's very obvious in
their attitude, preparedness, and grades.

Areas where homeschooled students can improve:

1. They come to college less prepared in the sciences than their
schooled counterparts - sometimes far less prepared. This can be
especially troublesome for pre-professional students who need to
maintain a high grade point average from the very beginning.

2. They come to college without sufficient test-taking experience,
particularly with timed tests. Many homeschooled students have a high
level of anxiety when it comes to taking timed tests.

3. Many homeschooled students have problems meeting deadlines and have
to adjust to that in college. That adjustment time in their freshman
year can be costly in terms of the way it affects their grades.

My advice to homeschooling parents:

1. If your child is even possibly college bound and interested in the
sciences, make sure that they have a solid foundation of science in the
high school years.

2. Begin giving timed tests by 7th or 8th grade. I'm referring to all
tests that students take, not just national, standardized tests.

I think it is a disservice to not give students timed tests. They tend
to focus better and score higher on timed tests, and, they are far
better prepared for college and graduate education if they've taken
timed tests throughout the high school years.

In the earlier years the timed tests should allow ample time to complete
the test as long as the student is working steadily. The objective is
for them to know it's timed yet not to feel a time pressure. This helps
students to be comfortable taking timed tests and develops confidence in
their test-taking abilities.

3. Give your students real deadlines to meet in the high school years.
If it's difficult for students to meet these deadlines because they're
coming from mom or dad, have them take "outside" classes; online, co-op,
or community college.
_______________________________

Greg Landry is a 14 year veteran homeschool dad and college professor.
He also teaches one and two semester online science classes, and offers
free 45 minute online seminars..
http://www.HomeschoolScienceAcademy.com

© 2009 Greg Landry, M.S.
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